Pod Pastor Mike

‌Slavery in the First Century is a diverse and multi-faceted topic.

‌It is imperative that we examine Scripture through the lens of the WRITERS and not our current world view.

The Greek and Roman Empires set their entire economic systems on this practice.

‌It’s estimated that, in the Roman Empire, 1/3 of the total urban population were slaves.

‌Slavery then was meant, not as a lifetime obligation, but, quite often, as a means to an end. For one to serve as a slave in a Roman Citizens home was an effective way to gain citizenship for one-self.

Suffering for Jesus is NOT a popular topic. It wasnt 2,000 years ago and it hasn't gotten any more popular.

But Peter teaches us that there is a greater reward in store for those who face great trials and tribulations in Christs name.

Not always in this life but a Promise from God in eternity

What an awesome Privilege to live in God's will for us.

With that privilege comes great responsibility as well.

The Christian journey is not one of perfection, but it is one of working towards being Holy.

Jesus did not call us to be perfect, we cannot achieve perfection this side of Eternity.

He does call us to increase in Holiness for His name sake.

The eyewitnesses of Jesus' ministry, as Peter was, had an easy choice.

They saw they miracles and listened to the messages, the Parables and heard everything that Jesus spoke of Himself.

Their choice was to either accept or reject it. But they could not deny what they saw with their own eyes.

How much greater a testimony is it to believe without seeing. Letting the Words of God's Holy script bear witness to our souls the Truth of the Gospel.

We still have that same choice- We can accept it or reject it.

Names can be important

The wealthy are not to be praise any more than the poor are to be scorned.

It is not a sin to acquire possessions. It is a sin to hoard the things God has blessed us with and not share with the less fortunate.

Poverty is not a virtue, in and of itself either. The key is to learn to be content in whatever life situations we find ourselves in.

God is the final judge and is the only "Final Answer"

Faith does not work by itself. Works motivated by Good Faith is what God desires.

Our faith in God, based on His great mercy and grace extended to us, should moves us to do good things for others

A study of John the Baptist as the "Fore-Runner" to the appearance of the Messiah to the Jews and Saviour of the world, Jesus Christ